Mordechai Tzipori facts for kids

Mordechai Tzipori (born Mordechai Hankovich-Hendin) was an important Israeli general and politician. He was born on September 15, 1924, in Petah Tikva, which was then called Mandatory Palestine. He passed away on May 29, 2017, in Ramat Gan, Israel, at 92 years old.

Early Life and Military Career

Mordechai Tzipori joined a group called the Irgun in 1939. This group worked to create an independent Jewish state. From 1945 to 1948, he was held by the British in Africa.

In 1948, he joined the Israel Defense Forces (IDF). This is Israel's army. He trained to become an officer. He also studied at Tel Aviv University.

Rising Through the Ranks

During the 1960s, Tzipori led an armored battalion. An armored battalion is a group of soldiers with tanks. Later, he became the head of the army's armor school.

He continued to rise in the army. In 1971, he became the deputy commander of the Armor Corps. In 1973, he led the Command and Staff. By 1974, he was the deputy head of operations for the entire army. He left the army in 1976 as a lieutenant general. This is a very high rank.

Political Career

After leaving the army, Mordechai Tzipori entered politics. He joined the Knesset in 1977. The Knesset is like Israel's parliament or main law-making body.

Serving as Minister

From 1977 to 1981, he was the deputy defense minister. This means he helped lead Israel's defense efforts. He served under Prime Minister Menachem Begin.

From 1981 to 1984, he also served as the communications minister. In this role, he was in charge of things like mail, phones, and broadcasting. He left politics in 1984.

Later Life

After his time in politics, Mordechai Tzipori led the National Insurance Institution. This organization helps people with social security and other benefits.